Construction workers and cranes were busy Wednesday as they installed the first set of beams for a new bridge at Minnesota Highway 23 and Kandiyohi County Road 5, on the southwest edge of Willmar. The enormous beams form the structure of the bridge, which will carry traffic north and south on County Road 5. The new overpass is expected to significantly increase safety at the road's intersection with Highway 23, which has had a history of crashes. Work continues Thursday with the remaining set of beams. Traffic is detoured in the meantime. The $3 million project is scheduled to be completed this summer.
1/An iron worker takes the straps off one of the beams that was placed Wednesday for a new overpass over state Highway 23 at the intersection with Kandiyohi County Road 5. Five beams were placed Wednesday, and five more will be placed Thursday. Briana Sanchez / Tribune
2/Construction takes places Wednesday on state Highway 23 at the intersection with Kandiyohi County Road 5. A new overpass will carry traffic north and south on County Road 5. The new overpass is expected to significantly increase safety. Briana Sanchez / Tribune
3/Dave Schroeder oversees operating cranes placing beams Wednesday along state Highway 23 at the intersection with Kandiyohi County Road 5. Five beams for a new overpass were placed Wednesday, and five more will be placed Thursday. Briana Sanchez / Tribune
4/An iron worker takes the straps off one of the beams that was placed Wednesday for a new overpass over state Highway 23 at the intersection with Kandiyohi County Road 5. Five beams were placed Wednesday. Five more beams will be placed Thursday. Briana Sanchez / Tribune
5/Dave Schroeder, from left, Gaylen Heacock and Al Setrum supervise construction Wednesday of the structure for a new overpass over state Highway 23 at the intersection with Kandiyohi County Road 5. Briana Sanchez / Tribune
